My week in the Chamber started on Monday with Defence Questions where I asked the Secretary of State, Michael Fallon MP, if he would confirm that the Government will continue to meet the 2% of GDP spending target on defence during the term of this Parliament. I was very happy receive confirmation of this commitment as well as hear about the support the Government will provide our armed forces and intelligence agencies.
In the Business, Innovation and Skills select committee on Tuesday morning we continued taking evidence for our inquiry into Exports and the role of UKTI. Following this I chaired the quarterly Staffordshire MPs and County Council meeting. These meetings are an excellent opportunity for both Labour and Conservative MPs from across Staffordshire to raise constituency issues as well be kept informed about the Council’s activities. I also used this as an opportunity to informally raise the issue of potholes across Cannock Chase. I will be meeting with representatives of Staffordshire County Council in the coming weeks to sit down and discuss in detail the issues with our local roads.
Wednesday was an early start as I had to ensure that my prayer card was in place to secure my seat for Prime Ministers Questions as I had been successful in the ballot for questions. If we want to reserve a specific seat in the Chamber for the day, we have to get put a prayer card in the place where we want to sit and then be present for Prayers when the House sits, which on a Wednesday is 11.30am. This early move secured me my seat on the green benches for the day.
Once my prayer card was in place I then went to a breakfast roundtable discussion about exports. With the BIS committee currently undertaking an inquiry into exports, it was a really useful session to hear the views of various different businesses, trade groups and representatives.
It was then back to the Chamber for prayers, then PMQs. I used my question to raise the profile of the excellent Young Enterprise initiative. This gives young people the opportunity to set up and run a real business for a year, with the guidance of a business volunteer. At the weekend I visited a Young Enterprise Trade Fair which saw teams from local Staffordshire schools, including Rugeley Sixth Form Academy, showcase their business ideas – so the PMQ was an excellent opportunity to get the backing of the Prime Minister.
Throughout the week I had various meetings to discuss the situation with Rugeley Power Station. This has included meetings with Cannock District Council to talk about the specific issues we face in our area as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon. George Osborne MP, to discuss the role that biomass can play in the energy market. At Thursday’s Business of the House questions I called for a debate about the future of coal fired power stations in light of the announcements of possible closures. The meeting with the District Council was also an opportunity to discuss a range of local issues which we can work on together.
Today, I have been back in the constituency, with various meetings, business visits and lots of constituency issues to work on. Tonight I am delighted that I will be attending a military dinner at Hednesford Town Football Club raising money for Combat Stress.